Raymond “Ray” Milton Strain

Raymond “Ray” Milton Strain passed quietly at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary on May 15, 2020 at 11:32pm. Ray was born on the prairies of Sintaluta, SK in the wind and dust of the “dirty thirties”. It was these dusts that Ray ascribed to his lung condition that partnered with him throughout his life. It wasn’t an easy condition to live with, but it never stopped him, for any of his eighty-nine years, from steadily putting one foot in front of the other. After completing a degree in Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan, Ray and his wife Eve, worked their way across Saskatchewan to eventually establish long, deep, considerably permanent roots in the Calgary community of Acadia. It was here that his two children, grew -and moved on -while he and his wife remained until finally choosing to relocate to Trinity Lodge in 2018. Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eve; their daughter Seana Strain of Canmore, son Tim Strain (Janine Violini) of Calgary; his siblings Ellen Hanson and Fran Perry, both of Regina, and Jim Strain (Gail Hicks) of Calgary. Ray was predeceased by his brother Robbie and sister-in-law Shirley Strain, and brothers-in-law Oscar Hanson, Mel Perry and Carroll Chlopan, all of Saskatchewan.

Ray’s love for family was a grounding force in his life. It inspired a trip to Ireland with his son, daughter, brother and sister, to sit in his Father’s house, challenge the theory that Guinness beer does not give hangovers, and create a lifetime of memories and great stories. Ray found and shared great stories just about everywhere. Listening to Vin Scully’s play-by-play of L.A. Dodger games – heard over the car radio while parked in front of the house (best reception), “I don’t remember the score, but Vin Scully told this story!” Stories could shift attention from the Riders losing yet another game (Go Stamps), expand the discussion of what to do when too many curling rocks crowded the house (and your team had the hammer), help his children drift off to sleep “And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee” or create connection by simply listening to people from the street during a shift at the Lukes” family drug store. It was when these customers confided in Ray, over the counter or in their rooms in the seniors’ home, that he thrived. Customers, family, neighbours or strangers, Ray treated everyone the same. He listened intently (with his good ear) and shared openly with his kind heart. His biggest lesson learned, or teaching taught, is that we each have a story to be heard, and he always seemed to find time to hear a good story. Ray didn’t run out of stories, he simply ran out of breath – as he always knew he would.

A private family service will be held for Ray on May 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm. It will be webcasted and so those that would like to participate can view the service through this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85727251757?pwd=d3RMNElQaTA0dm5VZG5IQ0dEZnlPZz09.

Memorial tributes may be made to the charity of your choice. Private family services will be held following Ray’s cremation. Messages of condolence may be received on this website.